Latest news with #StewartJohnston
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
CFL lifts Shawn Lemon's gambling suspension; veteran spotted at Alouettes facility
TORONTO — Shawn Lemon can resume his CFL career, and a return to the Montreal Alouettes appears imminent. The CFL reinstated the veteran defensive lineman with conditions Wednesday. Lemon, 36, was suspended indefinitely on April 24, 2024, for wagering on league games in 2021 while a member of the Calgary Stampeders, including one game in which he played. Following an appeal, an independent arbitrator upheld the suspension. 'Protecting the integrity of the play on the field is of the utmost importance and we will not tolerate players violating the CFL's match manipulation policy," CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said in a statement. "Mr. Lemon's suspension, which was the longest in league history, was necessary and appropriate. "He has taken full responsibility for his actions. He understands how wagering negatively impacts sports and has re-educated himself on league policy. He is now committed to helping other players learn from his mistake." The reinstatement comes with specific conditions. Any future violations of the league's match manipulation policy will result in a lifetime ban. Lemon, who's currently a free agent, was seen exiting Montreal's Olympic Stadium wearing an Alouettes hat and sporting the team's backpack later Wednesday. He didn't immediately respond to an interview request from The Canadian Press. 'We just won't comment on him right now. He's not a part of our team just yet,' Alouettes head coach Jason Maas said moments earlier. 'But I think everybody that knows us and how we feel about Shawn, it hasn't changed. 'He's a great player, a great guy. He's been tremendous in our locker room … he's been nothing short of amazing when he's been in our building and I think everybody would say that to a man.' Lemon won't be able to play immediately. He still faces a two-game suspension under the league's drug policy after testing positive for the banned stimulant phentermine, which is prescribed as an appetite suppressant. Suspended players can't participate in regular-season or post-season games. It is at the club's discretion whether to allow players to participate in other team activities, such as training camp, pre-season games, practices or meetings. Alouettes linebacker Darnell Sankey couldn't hide his excitement about Lemon's potential return. "Lemon is a hell of a player, an even better man, and I feel like he definitely deserves another shot in this league,' Sankey said. 'He's done a lot of great things and he's an amazing player, and we're excited. 'We try to stay focused on who's here, and when he comes back, we'll welcome him back with open arms — if that's what happens.' Lemon must complete all mandatory league education, including the CFL match manipulation policy and continue participating in counselling sessions he has been attending. The CFL's original suspension of Lemon came two weeks following his retirement after helping Montreal defeat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-24 in the '23 Grey Cup. Lemon initially signed a one-year deal with the Alouettes in December 2023 to play a 14th CFL campaign. The league said at the time no evidence indicated games were impacted by Lemon's wagering and that Stampeders coaches, teammates and team personnel were unaware of his actions. A week before the CFL suspended Lemon, Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors was banned for life from the NBA. An investigation determined he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, bet on league games and limited his time on the court — on at least one occasion — for betting purposes. Earlier, Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto was suspended for the first half of the 2023-24 NHL season — 41 games — for violating the league's sports wagering rules. In June, Tucupita Marcano of the San Diego Padres was banned from baseball for life for betting on the sport. Oakland pitcher Michael Kelly and three minor-league players also received one-year suspensions for gambling-related violations. Lemon appealed his suspension in May, which allowed him to report to Montreal's training camp and play with the CFL team. He helped the Alouettes open the '24 season with four straight wins before another arbitrator ruled July 4 to reinstate the league's original indefinite suspension. Lemon's appeal was heard Aug. 2 and Aug. 5. He had continued to practise with the Alouettes but didn't play in any of their remaining 14 regular-season contests or their East Division final loss to Toronto. Lemon became a free agent this off-season. The six-foot-two, 242-pound Lemon is a three-time Grey champion. The native of Charleston, S.C., began his pro career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a practice-roster player in 2011 and has spent time with every CFL team, some on multiple occasions, except Hamilton. His other Grey Cup wins were with Calgary (2014) and Toronto (2017). Lemon also spent time with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as two Arena Football League teams and another in the Indoor Football League. Lemon has recorded 262 tackles, two special-teams tackles and 102 sacks over his CFL career. He also had three interceptions, 30 forced fumbles and returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He was a CFL all-star in 2022 when he had 14 sacks with Calgary and was the West Division's top defensive player that season. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2025. Dan Ralph and Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press Sign in to access your portfolio
CTV News
16-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
CFL reinstates veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon after gambling suspension
Then-Montreal Alouettes defensive end Shawn Lemon (0) scores a touchdown after a fumble by Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Dustin Crum, not shown, during second half CFL football action in Ottawa on Sept. 30, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang TORONTO — Shawn Lemon can resume his CFL career. The CFL reinstated the veteran defensive lineman with conditions Wednesday. Lemon, 36, was suspended indefinitely April 24, 2024 for wagering on league games in 2021 while a member of the Calgary Stampeders, including one game in which he played. Following an appeal, an independent arbitrator upheld the suspension. 'Protecting the integrity of the play on the field is of the utmost importance and we will not tolerate players violating the CFL's match manipulation policy,' CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said in a statement. 'Mr. Lemon's suspension, which was the longest in league history, was necessary and appropriate. 'He has taken full responsibility for his actions. He understands how wagering negatively impacts sports and has re-educated himself on league policy. He is now committed to helping other players learn from his mistake.' The reinstatement comes with specific conditions. Any future violations of the league's match manipulation policy will result in a lifetime ban. Lemon didn't immediately respond to an interview request Wednesday from The Canadian Press. Lemon, who's currently a free agent, is now eligible to sign with any team but won't be able to play immediately. Lemon must still serve a two-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy following a positive test for the banned substance Phentermine, an appetite suppressant. Suspended players cannot participate in regular-season or post-season games. It is at the club's discretion whether to allow players to participate in other team activities, such as training camp, pre-season games, practices or meetings. Lemon must complete all mandatory league education, including the CFL match manipulation policy and continue participating in counselling sessions he has been attending. The six-foot-two, 242-pound Lemon is a three-time Grey champion. The native of Charleston, S.C., began his pro career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a practice-roster player in 2011 and has spent time with every CFL team, some on multiple occasions, except Hamilton. He won Grey Cups with Calgary (2014), Toronto (2017) and Montreal (2023). Lemon also spent time with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers as well as two Arena Football League teams and another in the Indoor Football League. Lemon has recorded 262 tackles, two special-teams tackles and 102 sacks over his CFL career. He also had three interceptions, 30 forced fumbles and returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He was a CFL all-star in 2022 when he had 14 sacks with Calgary and was the West Division's top defensive player that season. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2025. Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press
National Post
09-07-2025
- Sport
- National Post
CFL suspends B.C. Lions' Kemoko Turay for post-game melee in Montreal
Article content The incident occurred following B.C.'s 21-20 road win over the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday night, which ended on Sean Whyte's 43-yard field goal. Turay and Montreal defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund became involved in an altercation outside the Alouettes' locker room, prompting others to join in. Article content Article content Turay received a one-game ban for committing a non-football act — inciting a post-game altercation. Adeyemi-Berglund and Montreal's M.J. Sherman received fines for committing a non-football act — engaging in a post-game altercation — while Alouettes offensive lineman Pier-Olivier Lestage was also fined for making inappropriate contact with a TSN camera operator. Article content Tempers flared after the game Lions/Alouettes game in Montreal tonight 👀 — TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 6, 2025 Article content CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston oversees suspendible offences, while discipline is handled by the league's department of health, safety and integrity. Article content The department includes chief football operations officer Greg Dick, vice-president of officiating Darren Hackwood, associate vice-president of football operations Ryan Janzen and associate vice-president of health and safety Eric Noivo. Article content 'Non-football acts negatively impact the reputation and professional standing of the CFL and they will not be tolerated,' Johnston said in a statement. 'These actions do not reflect the values of our league. Article content 'The post-game altercation in Montreal became an unnecessary focal point, taking away from an incredibly entertaining game won on the final play.' Article content The CFL also announced Wednesday that Ottawa linebacker Frankie Griffin was fined for delivering a high hit on Edmonton quarterback Tre Ford. Article content
Winnipeg Free Press
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
CFL Rundown: Stamps in the mix after dominant win over Bombers
While Week 5 in the Canadian Football League delivered some incredible action, it was impossible to ignore the ugly incident that marred the otherwise exciting finish between the B.C. Lions and Montreal Alouettes. The focus should have been on a nail-biting one-point decision for the Lions, capped by a game-winning field goal with zeroes on the clock. Instead, it was overshadowed by a bizarre and violent post-game melee near the Alouettes' locker room — reportedly sparked by B.C.'s Kemoko Turay and Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund from Montreal — involving several players and several punches thrown. Simply put, this is a black eye for the CFL. There's no place for this in professional sports, especially not in a league that prides itself on sportsmanship and community connection. To their credit, the CFL has recognized the seriousness of these actions, particularly when it comes to head shots. They've recently vowed to crack down on violators, including stiffening rules this season for offenders caught throwing punches — even those that don't connect. For those that do, regardless of whether it's an open hand or closed fist, it's an automatic ejection. This proactive stance was championed by the CFL and the CFL Players' Association as vital for player safety and to maintain the integrity of the game. However, a post-game scrum like the one witnessed Saturday night directly undermines this progress. Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS B.C.'s Sean Whyte (right) celebrates his walk-off game-winning field goal on Saturday with his teammates. How Stewart Johnston handles discipline over the ensuring melee post-game between the Lions and Montreal Alouettes will be the new CFL commissioner's first big test at the helm. Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS B.C.'s Sean Whyte (right) celebrates his walk-off game-winning field goal on Saturday with his teammates. How Stewart Johnston handles discipline over the ensuring melee post-game between the Lions and Montreal Alouettes will be the new CFL commissioner's first big test at the helm. Given the seemingly countless number of jabs and shoves that were exchanged, the league now faces a crucial test. Commissioner Stewart Johnston needs to take a hard stance against this behaviour with meaningful disciplinary action. This isn't just about punishing individuals; it's about setting a clear precedent that this behaviour won't fly. The integrity of the CFL, and the safety of its players, demands nothing less. Now, let's get into the latest edition of CFL Rundown. Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Calgary Stampeders limited Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (right) to just 4.3 yards per carry in Thursday's game, down from his season average of 7.3 yards per carry. Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Calgary Stampeders limited Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (right) to just 4.3 yards per carry in Thursday's game, down from his season average of 7.3 yards per carry. Jason Franson / THE CANADIAN PRESS Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford (left) was solid in the team's first win of the season against the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday, going 15-for-17 in passing for 212 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jason Franson / THE CANADIAN PRESS Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford (left) was solid in the team's first win of the season against the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday, going 15-for-17 in passing for 212 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Winnipeg Blue Bombers 16 vs. Calgary Stampeders 37 Hamilton Tiger-Cats 51 vs. Toronto Argonauts 38 B.C. Lions 21 vs. Montreal Alouettes 20 Ottawa Redblacks 33 vs. Edmonton Elks 39 Week 6 Schedule: Friday, July 11: Calgary Stampeders at Saskatchewan Roughriders – 8:00 PM CT Saturday, July 12: Ottawa Redblacks at Hamilton Tiger-Cats – 6:00 PM CT Sunday, July 13: B.C. Lions at Edmonton Elks – 6:00 PM CT 2025 CFL Standings: East Division 1. Montreal 3-2 2. Hamilton 2-2 3. Toronto 1-4 4. Ottawa 1-4 West Division 1. Saskatchewan 4-0 2. Calgary 3-1 3. Winnipeg 3-1 4. B.C. 2-3 5. Edmonton 1-3 Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CBC
02-07-2025
- Sport
- CBC
'Fantastic' Bombers atmosphere inspires new CFL commissioner on league-wide tour
Social Sharing Stewart Johnston didn't even need to watch a down of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' game last week to be "blown away" by the experience. The CFL's new commissioner saw team billboards on his drive to Princess Auto Stadium, watched fans at the official tailgate party enjoy some barbecue and bevvies and spotted kids testing their football skills two hours before kickoff against the Edmonton Elks. "You started to feel the energy before you even got to the stadium, and then I was blown away by the tailgate. It is truly an event," Stewart said in a phone interview this week during a pit stop at his Toronto home before continuing visits to all CFL cities. Appointed in April as the league's 15th commissioner, the former TSN president made his seventh of nine stops in Winnipeg as part of what he calls his "100-day listening tour." The 54-year-old caps it off next weekend, stopping Thursday in Calgary, when the Stampeders host the Blue Bombers, then Sunday in Edmonton for a game between the Elks and Ottawa Redblacks. When he took the job, Johnston identified three things to focus on to ensure the league's success: entertainment, innovation and community. The Blue Bombers get check marks for all three. Walking around the stadium concourse, Johnston weaved through fans in their 20s and 30s socializing at one end near the Rum Hut, while some of the seventh consecutive sellout of 32,343 spectators took in the action from seats in a family section. "Throughout all of sport, particularly in North America, we've seen this transition to social areas that is incredibly important for young adults for their version of consuming a game, which is simply different," Johnston said. "To see them all having such a great time socializing with each other, occasionally glancing down and cheering for a play, and then continuing great conversation with food and drink, it was fantastic, and it brings such a great energy to the stadium." His tour includes speaking with club staff, players, fans and media. He's asking fans to name three things the league is doing "wonderfully" and two they believe need improvement. Responses have included some recurring themes. 'Fan for life' Fans appreciate the strong sense of Canadiana in the league and rising Canadian stars. There's positive feedback about "the refreshed look" of TSN broadcasts and optimism about improved ratings and game-day revenue. Through the first four weeks of the season, ratings were up 9.9 per cent from the same time last year. Many fans are excited about CFL players potentially competing at the 2028 Olympics in flag football, a sport Johnston believes can be linked to the league. His 14-year-old daughter, Vivian, took up flag football at school last fall and tells him how much fun it is. If participants become fans of that game, it could progress to watching the three-down game. "If you live in a market where there is a CFL team, maybe your whole team would want to go and attend a game," Johnston said. "And if you attend a game, maybe you buy a jersey or a hat and become a fan for life." When it comes to what the CFL can do better, fans have told him they want a more professional and modern look to the league's website. They're also curious about when there will be a 10th team, as well as how the league plans to attract younger fans. Blue Bombers president and chief executive officer Wade Miller said staff have worked hard to draw a range of fans during the past decade. There is a 55-45 split of male and female game-day fans, more than 60 per cent of a capacity crowd are season-ticket holders and the age of fans is trending down. "It's giving them what they want," Miller said of fans age 18-30. "It's the ability stand up, the ability to walk around and be social." Winnipeg and the Saskatchewan Roughriders were the only franchises to turn a profit last season. Miller said clubs' executives share ideas to help each other. "Off the field, the CFL teams work extremely well together, and we're all in this together," he said. There are opportunities to make games events, Johnston said. He pointed to the B.C. Lions holding concerts before season-opening games, with stars such as Snoop Dog and 50 Cent. 'Selling 1 ticket at a time' The Stampeders' game against the Bombers on Thursday is tied to the Calgary Stampede that kicks off the next day. The inaugural Stampede Bowl includes a trophy for the winner, and in a partnership with the Stampede, tickets to the game come with admission to some Stampede events. Country and rock artists will also play sets before the game, at halftime and post-game at Stamps House. "If there was one lesson I've learned from Wade Miller and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, it's we've got to focus on selling one ticket at a time," Johnston said.
